USC WR Joseph Lewis charged after alleged domestic violence incidents

Joseph Lewis (R) is suspended from football activities at USC. (Getty Images)

USC wide receiver Joseph Lewis was formally charged with five misdemeanors Tuesday in relation to two alleged domestic violence incidents.

Lewis was arrested last month and now faces three counts of domestic battery with an injury, one count of domestic battery without an injury and one count of false imprisonment. According to the Orange County Register, the charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between Feb. 5 and Feb. 11. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office previously opted not to pursue felony charges against Lewis.

After Lewis was arrested Feb. 12, USC suspended him from all team activities. He was removed from the Trojans’ spring roster Monday, putting his status with the program in jeopardy.

“USC takes all reports of domestic abuse seriously and is cooperating fully with the law enforcement investigation,” the school said in a statement after news of Lewis’ arrest emerged. “While this student code of conduct issue is being investigated, the student has been suspended from all football-related activities. Student disciplinary records and student conduct proceedings are confidential at USC and protected by law.”

Lewis was a highly touted prospect in the 2017 class. Rivals ranked him as the sixth-best receiver in his recruiting class. As a freshman for the Trojans, he registered four catches for 39 yards. He appeared in 11 games, seeing much of his game action on special teams.